ASD Paraprofessional: Empower Students & Classroom Support

Kentwood Public Schools; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 21,986,000 - 29,315,000; Full time

Job summary

Kentwood Public Schools seeks a ParaProfessional to support students in the Special Education ASD program. Under direct supervision, the paraprofessional assists with instructional goals, supports behavior management, and helps with non-instructional tasks, lunch and supervision as needed.

The role emphasizes collaboration with teachers, CPI training, data tracking, IEP involvement, and inclusion of students with disabilities.

Qualifications

• Two years of study at an institution of higher learning (equal to 60 credits) OR obtain an associate's degree (or higher) OR pass an approved formal state academic assessment.
• Prior experience working with students with Autism
• Knowledge and training in proper classroom management techniques, such as verbal de-escalation skills and physical interventions, including Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (CPI), may be required.
• Willingness to participate in professional development as identified by the principal, the special education department, or the school district.

Responsibilities

• Assists and guides students individually or in small groups with education and social development to reinforce essential learning skills.
• Assists professional staff in administering classroom assignments and assessments.
• Assists in classroom preparations and strategies for differentiating instructional materials and skills according to individual student needs, as evidenced by constructing, copying, distributing, and using educational materials as needed.
• The ability and willingness to complete the district provided Nonviolent Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) training and maintain certification on schedule with the district's expectations.
• The ability to assist in working within data tracking systems to document student learning, progress, and performance aligned with student's IEP, PCS, and PBSP.
• Assists with classroom behavioral management to minimize disruptions and ensure an orderly and safe classroom for all students.
• Assist in students' medical, grooming, and self-care needs, including eating, tooth brushing, toileting, and diapering as needed per student's PCS.
• The ability to accompany students on field trips to assist with supervision.
• Assists, as requested by teacher, with parent contact to foster effective and participatory parent involvement in student education.
• Assists students with disabilities in all aspects of classroom instruction to maximize inclusion, learning, achievement of IEP goals and objectives, etc.
• Willingness to be trained and effectively utilize any necessary student devices, such as AAC devices, mobility devices, etc.
• Participates in the IEP process and serves as a resource for the student evaluation team as needed.
• Assist students with physical or mental disabilities with activities of daily living to maximize their ability to participate in school, social, and learning activities.
• Follow all applicable safety rules, procedures, and regulations governing the proper manner of assistance for all students, including those with disabilities or other special needs.
• The ability to work as a team with teachers and related service providers to support the needs of students in the ASD program.
• Regular, reliable and punctual attendance

Skills

Follow instructions accurately

Basic math operations

PC software proficiency (Word, Excel)

Confidentiality of information

Supportive relationship with students

Cooperative teamwork

Written and verbal communication

Diversity sensitivity

Education

Two years of college coursework

Associate's degree or higher

Formal state assessment option

Job description

Kentwood Public Schools seeks a ParaProfessional to support students in the Special Education ASD program. Under direct supervision, the paraprofessional assists with instructional goals, supports behavior management, and helps with non-instructional tasks, lunch and supervision as needed.

The role emphasizes collaboration with teachers, CPI training, data tracking, IEP involvement, and inclusion of students with disabilities.